Amazing Hurricane Fly wins 16th Grade One

Hurricane Fly claimed the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown for the fourth year in a row, proving without any doubt he is the premier two-mile hurdler in training.

Following a season when he was not right last term, Hurricane Fly has bounced back to his best in this campaign and he proved his class when regaining his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham.

Rock On Ruby reopposed having finished second at Cheltenham but the ground went against him and he was ultimately well beaten in third as Hurricane Fly chalked up his 16th win at Grade One level.

The heavy ground proved no hindrance to Hurricane Fly who travelled superbly in behind his stablemate Thousand Stars.

Rock On Ruby made his bid for home under Noel Fehily after the second last, but Walsh was motionless. The one moment of alarm came turning for home when Hurricane Fly was chopped for room by Rock On Ruby.

Walsh kept his cool and switched his mount to the outside. Within a matter of strides the race was over as Hurricane Fly sauntered to the front as if he had just joined in.

Hurricane Fly pinged the last and Walsh began celebrating well before the line while Thousand Stars battled back to take second from Rock On Ruby to hand trainer Willie Mullins a one-two in the race.